Therapists in Lake Forest, IL

Rebecca is a graduate of Adler University Chicago. In addition to being a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, she is also a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. Rebecca views the therapeutic process as a holistic experience and is constantly inspired by the courage of the clients she works with. Rebecca has extensive experience working as a Personal Trainer with a specialization in disability, illness, disease and health related issues. Therefore, she strongly believes in the mind-body connection and that change is possible in any situation. Rebecca is also working towards her certification in EMDR and Equine Therapy.

Dr. Santiago is co-owner of ArtWell Therapy Center. Her role is to create a safe, nurturing environment and construct a positive, non-judgmental collaborative process. She is direct in her therapy style which assists clients in a more structured approach to set effective goals. She has experience working with individuals who identify as LGBTQ+, multicultural/diverse individuals/couples, Autism Spectrum Disorder, college life transition, developmental milestones, parenting education, etc. As a Latina, she will help clients discuss their personal stories of prejudice, racial oppression, social privilege, and mico/macroaggressions.

I am a clinical art therapist guiding individuals through their identity crises with confidence, helping them shed the weight of external expectations and embrace authenticity. Having earned dual master’s degrees in counseling and art therapy from Adler University in Chicago, I meet you where they are, offering encouragement as you discover and build upon your strengths. Clients seek me out because they’re tired of holding back in relationships and yearn for empowerment in shaping a life that truly reflects their own essence.

There comes a time in each of our lives where we feel inadequate, anxious, depressed, heartbroken, lonely, confused, and in need of a helping hand. If your ultimate goal is to strengthen your emotional wellbeing, find peace with your past, and live the life you always wanted, you have found the right Therapist. Whatever is overwhelming you today, whether it’s a tough breakup, grief, abuse, work related stress, relationship issues, past trauma, or simply finding the motivation to get out of bed and have a productive day, help is a phone call away. My role is to listen, empower growth, and help you become the best version of yourself.

When we deny our feelings, pushing them away (depressing them), we get depressed. When we shame our needs and criticize ourselves for being weak/needy, we strengthen the fear that causes us to hide who we really are. This increases anxiety. When we deny traumatic memories, we develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Numbing reality and denying real injustices will protect us from pain in the short run. Denying what is real, however, flings us into an inner conflict in which we resist the things that we need the most, and cling to the things that make us most dysfunctional.

Many of my clients come to me when life has become difficult: relationship issues, work stress, trouble with school. Together we will navigate the challenges that naturally arise such as feelings of loneliness, self-doubt, anxiety, sadness, and fear.

At Thrive Counseling & Wellness, I have had extensive experience working with adults who experience chronic anxiety, depression, chronic pain, stress, relationship problems, self-esteem issues. I tend to take a client centered perspective; I utilize different therapies to suit each individual client's needs. It's not always about the specific theory but more about what can I do to assist the client in achieving the perspective, growth and success that they desire. My ultimate goal is to "walk with the client" as he/she processes, experiences and implements the tools needed to effect helpful change.

Marta Kromka-Brigagliano is a licensed marriage and family therapist, certified alcohol and drug abuse counselor, and certified case manager. While working with clients she utilizes a systemic approach that focuses on individual’s relationship with others, family of origin issues, personal history and relationship with self.

I hold a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Psy. D.), a Masters of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology, and 7 years of experience working as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC). I have conducted treatment for individuals, couples, families, and groups. I have extensive expertise in clinical psychopharmacology, which enables me to comprehend the biological foundations of diseases. I have experience working with both adolescents and adults to address a wide range of illnesses. I take a holistic approach to counseling, which means that in addition to ACT, DPT, CBT, and mindfulness, I use a combination of other techniques.

Hello and thank you for taking the time to read my biography. I received my MS in Human Services/Community Counseling. I have over 20 years experience in MH and have been successful in working with individuals, couples and families. I have a particular clinical area of strength working with First Responders. I am also trained in EMDR level I & II, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Sex Therapy. I can also provide short-term counseling. My clinical approach is evidence based treatment as I am trained to work with various populations. We offer sessions in Libertyville, Gurnee and via telehealth.

Harry Speer is a Board Certified Licensed Professional Counselor practicing in Illinois since 2018. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and his Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health from Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago. Harry focuses on developing a trusting relationship with clients that is therapeutic and helpful. He integrates applied psychology and proven counseling approaches in his practice. Harry's goal is to help clients learn to respond to their difficult feelings, relationships, and circumstances more effectively. He focuses on individual adults and on couples.

Working with a wide age range of clients & problems requires a unique set of skills. Play, art, & music therapy are often utilized with children as young as 4, while more traditional therapy can be helpful with adults. Concerns address in session may include: anger, attention, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, ect. Psychological evaluations are conducted to evaluate a variety of concerns. Helping each client develop skills to positively cope with current struggles and improve their ability to conquer these problems in the future is my goal.

Grace is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a National Certified Counselor. She has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. She works with individuals and families to establish hope, promote emotional healing, and facilitate personal growth. Grace offers warmth, compassion and great insight in her work. Her gentle therapeutic approach is an asset to her work and enables her to compassionately address the mental health needs of children, adolescents, and adults so that they are empowered to lead a purpose driven life.

We all experience difficult emotions throughout the course of our lives. Pain, of all kinds, is a part of the human experience. Significant problems arise when pain turns into suffering. I believe by changing the way we view ourselves and view the world, we can alleviate suffering. My goal in therapy is to create a space for you to explore new ways of experiencing life's most difficult emotions.

Life is a journey that comes at us in waves or phases. These waves can knock us off our feet and, as a result, often feel insurmountable. I admire the bravery you show by coming to treatment and am honored to be part of your journey. By doing this, we will alleviate current symptoms and make connections between past and present. This will leave you with your eyes wide open to impending waves; thus, lessening their impact.

As a Solution-Focused therapist specializing in Health Psychology, our goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, we will unearth long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life. If you're looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation, let's work together.

I enjoy working with a variety of clients of different presentations ages 3 and up. I understand that each client is in their own stage of healing which is why I meet my clients where they are. Whether it is the beginning of their therapeutic journey or maybe they have been in therapy for years, I'm ready to jump in with them wherever they are!

I enjoy helping individuals heal, see breakthroughs, and increase their resilience and ability to find effective approaches to their presenting concerns.  My passion is to empower clients to manage life difficulties that encroach on their envisioned life architecture by gently identifying and removing obstacles, learning adaptive coping, finding meaning and strength, and sometimes rebuilding from the very foundation when faced with life-changing adversities.  Issues germinate and gain destructive power if ignored or dealt with using unhelpful distractions, so you can feel good about taking that first step to call me with no delay.